Long-term outcome of isolated thrombocytopenia accompanied by hypocellular marrow

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypocellularity of bone marrow (BM), not associated with significant dyshematopoiesis, is often found in patients with isolated thrombocytopenia, but its clinical implications have not been studied. We prospectively studied the clinical features and natural history of these patients. METHODS: Adults with isolated thrombocytopenia (platelet counts 50x10(9)/L in 16 patients (80%). BM cellularity ranged from 5% to 25% (median, 15%) and was 150x10(9)/L) after 12, 56 and 66 months. Three patients developed pancytopenia after 11, 70 and 90 months. Two patients were consistent with moderate aplastic anemia, and 1 was confirmed as having refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia. In the remainder of the patients, platelet counts remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Isolated thrombocytopenia accompanied by hypocellular marrow encompasses a group of heterogeneous conditions.